2025 NFL Free Agency

[tynimiller]

Here's a disaster scenario. For whatever reason the Packers don't get either Garrett or Crosby. But the Lions get one of them, and say the Commanders or Rams get the other.

Other teams are going to get better, just nature of it all…shoot look at everything the lions had and health stole it…Eagles hit on some budget FA moves and some big ones…and stayed healthy.

Nature of it all

 

[Heyjoe4]

Here's a disaster scenario. For whatever reason the Packers don't get either Garrett or Crosby. But the Lions get one of them, and say the Commanders or Rams get the other.

Garrett seems to be prohibitively expensive for Gluten's taste. It would likely involve giving up two firsts, and I just can't see him doing that. Crosby would take less, but still take a lot of draft capital.

I doubt that the Browns would want to deal with the Lions or Rams (or maybe the Packers), whose first round selections are in the 25 plus range.

Then again, Cleveland and LV are in rebuild, so who knows what deals may be possible?

 

[McKnowledge]

Good point and I thought Walker played better when Cooper was on the field. Defenses are gonna have to account for Cooper, and that should make the other LBs more effective.

As for Clark, I get that there was an adjustment to a 4-3. Problem is, over an 18-game season, he never seemed to adjust. I don't believe he's lost it though, and this season will be a pivotal one for him as he hits 30.

Playing in the same system professionally for 6 years and adjusting to a new scheme and new responsibilities within one season is unrealistic. Might've made some sense to move Clark last offseason, while his value was high.

 

[McKnowledge]

I think Green Bay should seriously consider identifying the core/cornerstone players and purging this roster.

Good not great...I'm sick of it.

The rising salary cap, free agents, disgruntled players on losing teams, and our own draft picks is creating a perfect storm to go anti-Jerry Jones and truly go all in.

 

[OldSchool101]

I really think GB can go out and sign 2 outside FA upgrades. My preference would be
1. CB
2. WR
Honorable mention would be a Pass Rusher (DE, LB With Pass Rush prowess, DT with an arsenal

Obviously we were banged up at WR at the wrong time. Yet that happens to almost every team by playoffs and in several position groups. We can no longer be content when it’s regular that a lead WR or 2 miss significant time. I hear every season the same old argument that we’re deep. However that really proved false and in a big way. Adding another known quantity veteran WR in FA is wise. I don’t want a $30Mil guy, but someone who lives up to that 3-4yr X ~$17.5Mil +- annual area deal would suffice. Same goes for CB but keeping it in that $12-14Mil +- annual. Meaning someone who has a proven track record of being a plus starter.

Now that said im completely out of touch with who’s available for what market $. Inverting those expenditures wouldn’t bother me if thats how it shakes out.

Our D was impressive. We can get a couple more Defenders in the draft and if 2 pop? We could be staring at a Top 5 unit imo. We were a botched opening KR from being in the lead into the 4th quarter of the Wildcard and that was credit to our DC.
As far as ST? You never ever ever never start a high caliber contest by giving your opponent momentum in their house opening Kickoff, especially when that’s exactly why they Kicked it ti us in the first place. I might go into FA getting a new Coach (sarcasm) if they can’t figure out basic football. Some people are so smart.. they outsmart themselves.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I really think GB can go out and sign 2 outside FA upgrades. My preference would be
1. CB
2. WR
Honorable mention would be a Pass Rusher (DE, LB With Pass Rush prowess, DT with an arsenal

Obviously we were banged up at WR at the wrong time. Yet that happens to almost every team by playoffs and in several position groups. We can no longer be content when it’s regular that a lead WR or 2 miss significant time. I hear every season the same old argument that we’re deep. However that really proved false and in a big way. Adding another known quantity veteran WR in FA is wise. I don’t want a $30Mil guy, but someone who lives up to that 3-4yr X ~$17.5Mil +- annual area deal would suffice. Same goes for CB but keeping it in that $12-14Mil +- annual. Meaning someone who has a proven track record of being a plus starter.

Now that said im completely out of touch with who’s available for what market $. Inverting those expenditures wouldn’t bother me if thats how it shakes out.

Our D was impressive. We can get a couple more Defenders in the draft and if 2 pop? We could be staring at a Top 5 unit imo. We were a botched opening KR from being in the lead into the 4th quarter of the Wildcard and that was credit to our DC.
As far as ST? You never ever ever never start a high caliber contest by giving your opponent momentum in their house opening Kickoff, especially when that’s exactly why they Kicked it ti us in the first place. I might go into FA getting a new Coach (sarcasm) if they can’t figure out basic football. Some people are so smart.. they outsmart themselves.

Great summary. With Watson out until November, and Doubs having some serious trouble with concussions, WR moves up the list, slightly ahead of Edge. Ty pointed out that Watson had to be accounted for when he lined up. So despite his inconsistent play and injury history, he'll certainly be missed. And the ACL was sad and ironic because he had put the chronic hamstring problems in the past. That's football.

As far as FAs, the whole list is pretty skinny. I like the CB from MN (Byron Joseph?) and WR Godwin. Higgins is too expensive and not the veteran presence GB needs.

Gluten can draft a speedster at WR later in day two or day three, unless someone falls. That makes Edge a likely target for round one. It all depends of course on FA and any trades. But it's clear that CB, WR, and Edge need to be addressed. The D was very good last year but they didn't get consistent pressure on the QB.

Some interesting weeks ahead. As for the draft, looks like Gluten will once again have to pull off some round 4-7 magic. He can do it.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I think Green Bay should seriously consider identifying the core/cornerstone players and purging this roster.

Good not great...I'm sick of it.

The rising salary cap, free agents, disgruntled players on losing teams, and our own draft picks is creating a perfect storm to go anti-Jerry Jones and truly go all in.

"Good, not great" - with the exception of the SB, that describes the last 15 years or so of play in GB. They give us a lot to cheer and hope for, and some very good football, and then let everyone down. I'm thinking specifically of the four losses in the NFCCG during Rodgers' tenure. It is not easy getting to a SB much less winning it.

I don't know about "purging" the roster as far as players. Maybe you can list some players you have in mind. But going after "disgruntled players on losing teams" is another way of saying "Myles Garrett". All by himself, he could turn a very good D into a great one. It would definitely require going all in.

I don't know if Gluten should pull the trigger. But your mention of "going all in" would require just such a ballsy move. I've said elsewhere that I'm against it. But you've got me thinking. Go big or go home. It would cost at least two #1 picks, and a 2nd, maybe a player. We'll know soon if Gluten is down with the idea.

 

[Schultz]

Thoughts from reading multiple threads. Posters are saying.
1. Watson being out will most likely impact the rest of the receivers and the O as a whole, therefore another speed WR is needed.
2. DE, DT, CB in some sort of order are the top needs.
3. Most are counting on FAs to help for the 2nd year in a row.
My thoughts.
1. I originally did not see WR as that big of a need. A. My fear is that Reed without Watson can be taken out of a game by the defense. B. Doubs questions. Concussions and just what really happened midseason. Obviously, the FO knows more than any of us ever will. C. Wicks, can he, has he fixed the drops? D. Heath, does he just need a chance to play? E. Melton, is he the new speed guy? I am not on board with Slayton. Sportrac has his value at 15.75 mil per year. I realize Slayton is more than just a deep threat, but that is too much for me. For about 10% of that you could sign one of these guys in re3verse order of how I like them. Chark, 1.5, N. Brown, 1.5, MVS, 1.5, D. Brown, 1.9 J. Watson, 1.7 plus a 6th or 7th round pick and hope the current guys develop.
2. I am in this group also, but then I think to myself that the D was as good if not better than the O by season's end. Should OLine and WR be higher priorities?
3. FAs is not really the Packer way. Before last year the 2019 FA class was the last big splash. 2021 had D. Campbell. I really do hope they go get at least 1 key FA but I am skeptical for more than that based on history.
As always just my mostly uninformed opinion.

 

[McKnowledge]

"Good, not great" - with the exception of the SB, that describes the last 15 years or so of play in GB. They give us a lot to cheer and hope for, and some very good football, and then let everyone down. I'm thinking specifically of the four losses in the NFCCG during Rodgers' tenure. It is not easy getting to a SB much less winning it.

I don't know about "purging" the roster as far as players. Maybe you can list some players you have in mind. But going after "disgruntled players on losing teams" is another way of saying "Myles Garrett". All by himself, he could turn a very good D into a great one. It would definitely require going all in.

I don't know if Gluten should pull the trigger. But your mention of "going all in" would require just such a ballsy move. I've said elsewhere that I'm against it. But you've got me thinking. Go big or go home. It would cost at least two #1 picks, and a 2nd, maybe a player. We'll know soon if Gluten is down with the idea.

Personally, I will never get over 2015 NFCCG (15-1 season) losing to the Seahawks.

Other than that, the loses were understandable from a competitive nature.

Packers just haven't fielded elite rosters since that 2015 team.

Understandably luck plays its part, but creating opportunities for luck to manifest is important too. Trading a beloved player for draft capital is a sensible move.

I think, unless he specifically requests for Green Bay, Myles Garrett is unrealistic.

However, Maxx Crosby would be a great addition, but I am also interested in going after Trey Hendrickson, he produces and just wants a contract comparable to said production.

Purging the roster, for me, means anyone that has value across the league but doesn't fit the schematic philosophy.

On offense, I would move Doubs, Wicks, and/or Watson if he was healthy; these guys are WR2-3 at best, Wicks is a great WR4. Go get a WR1 that embraces the pressure and can thrive within it.

For some odd reason, Jayden Reed isn't featured when he should be.

Many question his desire, but the play calling fades from him quite often and its puzzling. Outside of Jacobs, he needs quality touches.

Moving on from Meyers is necessary, and it would be great for the Packers to target a high-quality veteran for center or give it to Jenkins outright. No more competition, and experimenting, just settle on the starters and create cohesion.

On defense, it's time to move on from Kenny Clark. Pack needs to get bigger and meaner on D-Line. It needs to acquire players that complement the scheme regardless of names and reputations. Quay Walker can go, let Cooper shine; he's a leader and cornerstone. Revamp the CB depth, JA can stay or go, but he's an elite CB2 in a league that fields great WR2s.

 

[gopkrs]

I will be happy if we first address pass rusher, cornerback and run blocker. To me almost all run blockers can protect, but not the other way around. I think a good run blocking center would be awesome. Not in any order.

 

[OldSchool101]

Thoughts from reading multiple threads. Posters are saying.
1. Watson being out will most likely impact the rest of the receivers and the O as a whole, therefore another speed WR is needed.
2. DE, DT, CB in some sort of order are the top needs.
3. Most are counting on FAs to help for the 2nd year in a row.
My thoughts.
1. I originally did not see WR as that big of a need. A. My fear is that Reed without Watson can be taken out of a game by the defense. B. Doubs questions. Concussions and just what really happened midseason. Obviously, the FO knows more than any of us ever will. C. Wicks, can he, has he fixed the drops? D. Heath, does he just need a chance to play? E. Melton, is he the new speed guy? I am not on board with Slayton. Sportrac has his value at 15.75 mil per year. I realize Slayton is more than just a deep threat, but that is too much for me. For about 10% of that you could sign one of these guys in re3verse order of how I like them. Chark, 1.5, N. Brown, 1.5, MVS, 1.5, D. Brown, 1.9 J. Watson, 1.7 plus a 6th or 7th round pick and hope the current guys develop.
2. I am in this group also, but then I think to myself that the D was as good if not better than the O by season's end. Should OLine and WR be higher priorities?
3. FAs is not really the Packer way. Before last year the 2019 FA class was the last big splash. 2021 had D. Campbell. I really do hope they go get at least 1 key FA but I am skeptical for more than that based on history.
As always just my mostly uninformed opinion.

No it’s really a good summary.

I think our Offense was a mixture of injuries outcomes (Jenkins, Watson etc) but we also just didn’t do a very good job in countering the Eagles strategy imo.

From play #1 GB was off course. If there was ever a time to take the ball at the 30 yard line it was Wildcard weekend (new rule is like an accepting a+5 yard penalty on Philly). Even the analysts recommended we take their fans “wind” out early. We did exactly the opposite! For myself it was beyond frustrating because limiting Turnovers were a key ingredient to a W. Yet we not only disregarded the Eagles strength, we fed them on purpose by essentially throwing up a jump ball. This was worse than Ty Montgomery disregarding a direct order as that KR. For me it displayed that our Coaching staff didn’t even have an elementary level, global game plan. That might worry me more than any single player weakness because often they are too proud to admit their mistake or worse yet, they don’t even understand mitigating risk. Every Sport uses defensive strategy, even Billiards uses this concept. Oldest strategy in the playbook. I know this but a not the thread, but indirectly it is. No player addition will overcome a poor gameplan, mixed with the inability to utilize the clock, mixed with throwing long on 3rd n 3, mixed with rushing 3 and allowing a QB to survey the field for 6+ seconds for the Win or Loss.

The good? IMO The Packers are a season of above average health,
1. A good reliable starting CB
2. An added Exceptional pocket collapsing iDL or eDL
3. Starting caliber, dynamic WR
4. Better depth in Day3 at OL, CB

We now know we were 1 botched KR from going toe to toe with a very stout SB Winner at their home. Replace that botched Nixon play (I still believe he gained control on camera and was down and touched) with a 1st down and 45 yard Punt and that game ends up being VERY close. GB would have likely led into Qtr4. We all saw what Philly did to everyone afterwards. They dominated everyone but we actually were their only true obstacle imo.

Get the CB in FA then draft another CB by Rd5. Use either #23 or #55 on a dynamic WR that isn’t a project or is a more polished prospect. I’d draft a OC+OT/OG inside our first 5 selections.
FA CB
FA Edge to legit challenge pecking order OR a legit immediate Starting caliber WR that can start on most teams.
Day1 OT/OG
Day2 WR or DE
OC (that kid from OSU or Georgia)
RD4 CB

 

[Heyjoe4]

I will be happy if we first address pass rusher, cornerback and run blocker. To me almost all run blockers can protect, but not the other way around. I think a good run blocking center would be awesome. Not in any order.

Can't argue with your list gopkrs. I wouldn't have added a run blocker, as the current group is pretty good. But as a replacement for Myers, definitively spot on. I wasn't thinking in those terms (solid run-blocking C). More running lanes - Jacobs will be all over that.

A lot will depend, of course, on FA. I'm hoping Gluten grabs a guy like Byron Joseph at CB from MN. And Id like to see a veteran WR added in FA. Adding to the pass rush is a huge need. It will be interesting to see how Gluten addresses it - trade (Garrett, Crosby), FA, draft. Whatever, he has to do something.

There are some missing pieces with the current roster. And Love has to come into form now as a franchise QB.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Personally, I will never get over 2015 NFCCG (15-1 season) losing to the Seahawks.

Other than that, the loses were understandable from a competitive nature.

Packers just haven't fielded elite rosters since that 2015 team.

Understandably luck plays its part, but creating opportunities for luck to manifest is important too. Trading a beloved player for draft capital is a sensible move.

I think, unless he specifically requests for Green Bay, Myles Garrett is unrealistic.

However, Maxx Crosby would be a great addition, but I am also interested in going after Trey Hendrickson, he produces and just wants a contract comparable to said production.

Purging the roster, for me, means anyone that has value across the league but doesn't fit the schematic philosophy.

On offense, I would move Doubs, Wicks, and/or Watson if he was healthy; these guys are WR2-3 at best, Wicks is a great WR4. Go get a WR1 that embraces the pressure and can thrive within it.

For some odd reason, Jayden Reed isn't featured when he should be.

Many question his desire, but the play calling fades from him quite often and its puzzling. Outside of Jacobs, he needs quality touches.

Moving on from Meyers is necessary, and it would be great for the Packers to target a high-quality veteran for center or give it to Jenkins outright. No more competition, and experimenting, just settle on the starters and create cohesion.

On defense, it's time to move on from Kenny Clark. Pack needs to get bigger and meaner on D-Line. It needs to acquire players that complement the scheme regardless of names and reputations. Quay Walker can go, let Cooper shine; he's a leader and cornerstone. Revamp the CB depth, JA can stay or go, but he's an elite CB2 in a league that fields great WR2s.

Oh man that 2015 NFCCG loss to the Hags still does hurt. At one point in Q4 there was a less than 2% chance the Hags could win. We know the rest. MM took his foot off the gas at the wrong time, and the rest was a comedy of errors. Just plain hurts.

 

[Sanguine camper]

The draft is deep in IDL and the Packers have a need there. Clark is declining and Wyatt is devoting into a pass rush specialist. Brooks is a nice depth player and Wooden is just a guy. Cut him and you wouldn't notice it. Getting 2 IDL makes sense in this draft.

Morgan missed most of the season and Myers just isn't goid enough. Add to that no tackle depth beyond the starters and O Line is a huge need. The chances that Morgan continues to miss lots of games with injuries remains high.

I'd be happy to see Gute use his picks like this.

Round 1 IDL
Round 2 IOL
Round 3 CB
Round 4 OT
Round 5 iDL

 

[tynimiller]

The draft is deep in IDL and the Packers have a need there. Clark is declining and Wyatt is devoting into a pass rush specialist. Brooks is a nice depth player and Wooden is just a guy. Cut him and you wouldn't notice it. Getting 2 IDL makes sense in this draft.

Morgan missed most of the season and Myers just isn't goid enough. Add to that no tackle depth beyond the starters and O Line is a huge need. The chances that Morgan continues to miss lots of games with injuries remains high.

I'd be happy to see Gute use his picks like this.

Round 1 IDL
Round 2 IOL
Round 3 CB
Round 4 OT
Round 5 iDL

Why? What basis of this do you have? Morgan was splitting time with Rhyan while dealing with his injury - it simply became too much to bear. Many close to the team predict had Morgan been fully healthy he likely would have won that spot.

One of Morgan's noted positives coming out of college was how durable he was in the trenches, three straight years of starting and three straight years of missing no games. Fact his shoulder wasn't right all year after injuring it TC - I think we got a really good and gutsy guy. He didn't want to be shut down, but simply couldn't risk it.

 

[shockerx]

The worry I have with Morgan, we really dolnt know what type of shoulder injury he has. Did he have surgery? shoulders are trickey, and a player may change his game to protect it. just wonder why we never heard any details, maybe I missed that. When I think of shoulder injuries L think of JA, for IOL thats not what you want.

 

[Heyjoe4]

The draft is deep in IDL and the Packers have a need there. Clark is declining and Wyatt is devoting into a pass rush specialist. Brooks is a nice depth player and Wooden is just a guy. Cut him and you wouldn't notice it. Getting 2 IDL makes sense in this draft.

Morgan missed most of the season and Myers just isn't goid enough. Add to that no tackle depth beyond the starters and O Line is a huge need. The chances that Morgan continues to miss lots of games with injuries remains high.

I'd be happy to see Gute use his picks like this.

Round 1 IDL
Round 2 IOL
Round 3 CB
Round 4 OT
Round 5 iDL

I'm not following on your assertion that Morgan is likely to miss more games. Guys get injured and lose significant time, sometimes an entire season. Anyway not a big deal but I don't know why you expect Morgan will continue to be injured.

The Packers do need better iDL guys and an Edge rusher(s). And CB is what I consider the #1 need. So I'd flip Round 1 and Round 3 based on your list.